2005 Land Rover Freelander from North America - Comments

Transmission was two quarts low, dealer fixed other problems and just refilled Transmission fluid without repairing.

Transmission was replaced when I returned with same issue.

Transmission shifting late and spontaneously down-shifting. This time in 110 degree weather along the highway while on vacation. Different dealership said one that replaced the transmission caught and cut the wiring harness and tried to tape it back together and programmed it wrong. Over three weeks later this dealership is frustrated with working on it and it is returned.

Same day it is returned, transmission repeats same issues late at night in the middle of no where after returning the rental. Taken to third dealership.

Previously the service departments have been wonderful to talk with. This time I was treated like dirt on the service managers shoe. Replaced the battery and told me to come and get my car off his lot. (Battery? Car started just fine.) Refused to call Roadside assistance to arrange for car to be brought home to me. Roadside assistance was able to go over him and get it done.

Just got the car back today and am afraid to drive it for fear of breaking down along the road with the kids.

I have less than 4 thousand miles on the warranty. The tow truck that dropped it off said the engine sounded horrible and he is right. No dealership will touch it for a trade in toward a reliable vehicle. I am still making payments.

Roadside assistance was WONDERFUL! What great people to deal with. Unfortunately I lose that benefit in less than 4 thousand miles.

Customer service informed me that they are a separate company from Roadside and the Dealerships are also independently owned and separate also.

Customer service listened yet did nothing else. They consulted with an independent contractor (I was not privileged to the name or contact information.) and told me they would not be able to offer assistance. Instructed me to call roadside assistance for return of my car.

As for the last dealership. I was in tears and felt violated after each conversation with the manager of their service dept. I was informed that I only owned the "Free-lander" and it was a "2005" as justification for rude treatment.

While Land Rover put many cheap parts in the interior of this car, I love the way it handles and the drivers seat was so comfortable that I could make long rides without any discomfort. Prior to all this hassle with Land Rover's inability to address the problem, I loved my car and was planning to buy the Sport model next year. Now I will never buy another.

To update my review... Went to start up the Land Rover (yesterday) the morning after it was returned with a new battery. I had put the windows down as it was hot a few minutes earlier with out starting the car. Car would not start, battery was dead. Could only get the windows back up half way.

Call placed to Roadside Assistance. Again, great people. Continued rental and arranged towing to a different (4th) dealership this morning.

My customer assistance representative would not take my call.

The latest dealership said it appears that there are issues with the battery/wiring, downhill descent, ABS and these are just the start. Will not know more until next week.

And so the saga continues...

To update this information: the dealership who currently has the Freelander called to chastise me for putting the wrong battery in the vehicle. Stated it was the wrong size and model and told me I should have checked before putting it in. Also told me that the manifold needed replaced and they had to order the part in. He would not know what else was wrong until he replaced the battery and manifold and got full power to the engine. He would call me back when the car was ready.

I explained that the battery had been installed at a LR dealership and all of the other problems with the Freelander. I was told that he would get the technicians to look into the issues and call me back when they had answers. I have not heard back.

I have not received any refund toward the $1,800.00+ that I paid out for rentals and cab fare. I submitted the original receipts to LR Roadside Assistance as directed.

I am into the third week of this rental and have gone over the limit on my credit card with charges for rentals. Meanwhile, I continue to make car payments on a vehicle I have no use of.

LR constumer service never returned my calls.

I am compiling my information and hiring legal representation as all efforts to resolve issues with LR without an attorney have failed.

Good luck. My 2002 transmission was replaced at 45000 miles & the engine at 52000. This is common in all Freelanders. Dump your Freelander before it costs more Buy a Yugo it is more reliable.

After owning two Land Rover Freelanders and going through a litany of mechanical problems and abysmal customer support from Land Rover I can honestly suggest you get rid of it as fast as you can. Freelanders are all looks and no substance - be warned! You will be "old before your time" if you hold on to that lemon for even a second longer.